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OpinionLatest opinion, analysis and discussion from The Sun DailyEnsure sustainability is the key factor in policies and decisionshttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/ensure-sustainability-is-the-key-factor-in-policies-and-decisions-FD2511887
d6e451b3-c4fc-465c-aa8b-c686c251e4d8Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:03:38 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/314x225/0c0/0d0/none/11808/ALVK/09-page-9-su-sunpix-n_1192291_20200604192755.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">COVID-19</span></b> has severely curbed economic and human activities due to the movement control order (MCO). This has enabled a pause in environmental degradation. A Tenaga Nasional official on May 31 said electricity consumption in the commercial and industrial sectors had decreased by between 25% and 50% during the MCO.</p><p>Covid-19 demonstrates how fragile human societies are to the forces of nature and environment, and not necessarily only by the less developed. This relationship should not be underestimated; humanity’s ability to weather future storms may very well depend on a supporting natural ecosystem that is well protected and preserved.</p><p>On a positive note, the MCO demonstrates that governments have the willpower to create change under critical circumstances which is what is needed for the environment. So how do we move forward? With a focus on nature in conjunction with World Environment Day on June 5, Environmental Protection Society, Malaysia (EPSM) offers six recommendations:</p><p> </p><p><b>Integrate sustainability into all decision making</b></p><p>As advocated by EPSM since the inception of its Sustainable Living in Malaysia programme in 2007, there is a need to create an institutional framework to mainstream sustainable development across all ministries and government agencies, and through all levels of government – federal, state and local. This sustainability shift includes integrating impacts on biodiversity and climate change into every decision made by government. This has to be enabled by redesigning of agencies as the present structure of functioning in silos does not facilitate integrated and cross-sectoral decision making.</p><p> </p><p><b>Strengthen federal govt-state govt collaboration</b></p><p>State governments assert that they need to exploit natural resources, through logging in particular, to generate revenue. This puts them and their reliant neighbouring states at risk of water security and flooding. By engaging and partnering with the federal government, state governments can access global environmental funds – such as Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund and Global Environment Facility – that are available as an incentive for protecting and maintaining biodiversity. State governments are also urged to engage with all stakeholders before making decisions on land-use change so that alternative views on raising revenue including payment for ecosystem services can be harnessed.</p><p> </p><p><b>Look beyond GDP</b></p><p>The government is urged to look beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as the primary indicator for its performance. GDP does not account for inequality, equity and wasteful development. For example, the construction of office buildings, malls and residential premises would have contributed to our GDP. Yet, the chronic overhang shows they have been overbuilt due to misplaced demand and may become stranded assets, while affordable housing still remains elusive. GDP does not account for externalities or environmental damage caused by development such as loss of biodiversity and climate change. As an alternative for performance measurement, the government can develop its own sustainability indicators which reflect ecological sustainability, equality and social inclusion, together with economic indicators.</p><p> </p><p><b>Strengthen local administration</b></p><p>Many decisions which affect quality of life, environment and urban design are made at the level of local authorities. As Malaysia is already 76% urbanised, the importance of living in harmony with nature is even more critical. More attention needs to be given to how planning can accommodate urban ecology in a holistic manner. As these concepts can best be addressed with the active participation of all stakeholders within a structured engagement framework with accountability and transparency, it is timely to conduct a study to re-introduce local government elections as the prerequisite to enable this.</p><p> </p><p><b>Uphold environmental laws</b></p><p>Existing legislation on natural and built environment, eg enactments and policies, should be upheld and implemented diligently. Elected officials should be responsive to demands of the people and needs of natural ecosystems providing vital free services, where rehabilitation, regeneration and rejuvenation are necessary for both wildlife and habitats to function properly.</p><p> </p><p><b>Revolutionise production and consumption</b></p><p>Manufacturers should take the lead in revolutionising their production patterns and extend their responsibility for their products throughout the chain of custody – from production until end-of-life. They should be equally concerned about how a product is handled at the point of disposal. The polluter-pays principle and extended producer’s responsibility should be properly applied in the enforcement of environmental quality standards. The talents of the advertising industry should be enlisted to promote sustainable consumption.</p><p>We urge decision-makers and policymakers to create a new and innovative normal with sustainability at the core as we emerge from Covid-19 and resume economic activities.</p><p></p><p><b>Nithi Nesadurai</b></p><p><b>President</b></p><p><b>Environmental Protection Society Malaysia</b></p>State governments assert they need to exploit natural resources, through logging in particular, to generate revenue. They have been urged to engage with all stakeholders so that alternative views on raising revenue including payment for ecosystem services can be harnessed. – SUNPIXLearn from Highland Towers tragedyhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/learn-from-highland-towers-tragedy-ID2511820
9397648c-8b55-49ed-aa98-e99177eaf403Fri, 05 Jun 2020 08:49:20 GMTOpinionOff The CuffAzman UjangOpinion<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/225x225/0c0/0d0/none/11808/TAIF/off-the-cuff_1192243_20200604191351.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">OF</span></b> all the dozens of local council authorities in the country, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) arguably has the heaviest responsibility in seeing to the safety and security of housing estates under its jurisdiction.</p><p>So many housing projects have been developed on hillsides in Bukit Antarabangsa, Ulu Klang, on the fringes of Kuala Lumpur that house buyers a few decades ago made a beeline to grab these properties, attracted by the lure of living in houses with a panoramic view of the city.</p><p>Because these projects were approved for development, people who owned such property took it for granted that they were safe. They thought the safety aspects had been addressed and they could sleep well at night.</p><p>Occasionally, landslides occurred on these seemingly fragile hillside housing areas and ad hoc measures were taken by MPAJ to appease the concerns of residents and the public.</p><p>Then came the Highland Towers tragedy almost 27 years ago when Block 1 of three condominium blocks collapsed like a deck of cards, killing 48 people including several expatriates in the worst high-rise building collapse in the nation’s history.</p><p>To refresh our memory on what led to this horrific tragedy, there was a stream called Sungai Timur in the vicinity of the Highland Towers and to divert water from flowing into the terraced hill site, a pipe system was laid out.</p><p>But some years after the Highland Towers project was completed and occupied, construction of another condominium project took place on the hillside just behind these three blocks, a project that led to the massive clearing of trees and much of the ground cover from the hill, according to media reports, which described it as a “dangerous move”.</p><p>It was reported that the nearby condo project had caused another “watery situation” with water seeping into the new site and the approach taken was to again divert water into the same pipe system as done for Sungai Timur.</p><p>As time passed, the pipes became clogged with sand and silt.</p><p> The excessive load caused the pipes to burst. It did not take long for a massive amount of mud of about 100,000 sq m or equivalent to 200 jumbo jets to slide downhill, demolishing the retaining walls and shattering the tower’s pier foundation system, bringing the tower crashing down.</p><p>It spoke and continues to speak volumes, by and large, of the state of maintenance of projects in a country with a frenetic pace of physical development.</p><p>It’s often said that we have First World infrastructure but Third World maintenance standards.</p><p>Have lessons been learnt since the Highland Towers tragedy?</p><p>“Yes” and “No” would be a fair answer but the “No” seems to have greater weightage.</p><p>In the Bukit Antarabangsa area alone, there have been a number of landslides since causing death and destruction.</p><p>Buying a house especially for the average wage-earner is usually his or her biggest investment.</p><p>Nine years later, a retired four-star army general’s bungalow collapsed at Taman Hillview, killing six people, including his wife and three family members and two maids.</p><p>Tan Sri Ismail Omar was trapped in the rubble for five hours before he was miraculously rescued.</p><p>In December 2008, another landslide buried 14 bungalows at Taman Bukit Mewah in the same vicinity, killing four residents.</p><p>And of course landslides also occurred in hillside development in other parts of the country, raising questions over whether the approving authorities are bothered to learn from such tragedies especially in terms of stricter enforcement of maintenance rules.</p><p>Or better still, for the government to ban future hillside housing development.</p><p>Such a project might on paper or in structural engineering textbooks look safe or secure but never rule out weather conditions. Malaysia is among countries with very high rainfall.</p><p>There is a high probability of landslides being triggered after hours of rainfall.</p><p>And just a week ago, 40 residents from seven double-storey terrace houses at Jalan Kelab Ukay 4 in Taman Kelab Ukay also at Bukit Antarabangsa were evacuated following another landslide.</p><p>Once again, we see the authorities coming out with stop-gap measures with Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin announcing an immediate RM2 million allocation to build a retaining wall at the affected site.</p><p>Questions can be asked as to whether there was such a wall there in the first place? If not, why not?</p><p>Residents in the area told the media that a similar landslide occurred last November but little had been done to rectify the situation.</p><p>To this, MPAJ explained that the landslide occurred at a privately-owned plot and that its efforts to trace the owner had been unsuccessful.</p><p>An ex-colleague of mine who lives just behind the site where the latest landslide took place told me that several other housing projects have been developed since the Highland Towers block collapsed.</p><p>“The residents are also having sleepless nights because a new highway from Sungai Besi to Gombak is being built passing our housing areas and this can cause further earth movement,” he said.</p><p>Perhaps Zuraida, who grew up in Singapore where strict adherence to construction safety and tip-top maintenance of housing development is the order of the day, could invoke her political will to create a similar maintenance culture in Malaysia.</p><p>But to me at the end of the day, the onus is on the public at large whether to buy or stay in houses built on fragile locations.</p><p>Use our common sense. Just because a housing project has been given a certificate of fitness, it doesn’t mean we can throw caution out the window.</p><p>Better still, keep such projects at arm’s length.</p><p>To borrow the Covid-19 tagline - Stay safe.</p><p></p><p><i>Comments:</i><i> letters@thesundaily.com</i></p>We need to invest more in primary healthcarehttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/we-need-to-invest-more-in-primary-healthcare-BI2497276
eae99227-8d7e-4b1b-b3b1-753006fc468fWed, 03 Jun 2020 12:14:34 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">THE</span></b> Academy of Medicine of Malaysia is concerned by the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) findings. There are little recorded improvements in the prevalence and risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The only notable progress is the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) which has been reduced from 47.7% in 2015 to 38.1% in 2019.</p><p>If preventative and corrective measures are not urgently put in place, many Malaysians are on track to contract chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.</p><p>The World Health Organisation reported that prevention and treatment services for NCDs all over the world have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. As Malaysia makes progress against the pandemic, we must refocus resources to address NCD prevention and treatment. </p><p>The government must implement a long-term plan to efficiently manage Covid-19 and NCD care services. This is important because people living with NCDs who are also infected with Covid-19 are more prone to severe symptoms and have a higher mortality risk. We cannot tackle one issue without addressing the other.</p><p>Preventative care must be prioritised in the reorganisation of our health system. People have shown that given the proper guidance and tools, they will abide by preventative measures to protect their health and the health of loved ones. </p><p>Innovative solutions must be introduced to drastically improve the risk factors for NCDs displayed in the 2019 NHMS findings. These measures should also offset the potential negative impacts of extended movement control, such as reduced physical activity and mental health, which can result in poor eating habits.</p><p>Finally, the government must invest more in primary care services as early and regular screening is vital. The Enhanced Primary Health Care Initiative launched in 2017 was a move in the right direction in increasing access to health care for all Malaysians, especially those from lower-income groups. The revival of this initiative, along with others under the National Strategic Plan for NCDs 2016-2025, must be incorporated into the government’s long-term health plan for managing Covid-19.</p><p>The full extent of Covid-19’s impact on our health system and people with NCDs remains to be seen. However, there is clear evidence of its disruption to other areas of healthcare as well as its disproportionately harmful effects on people with NCDs. The NHMS report is a wake-up call to take urgent action. The government must refocus our health system and develop health policies to address both Covid-19 and NCD care.</p><p></p><p><b>Academy of Medicine of Malaysia</b></p>What will be the new normal of education?https://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/what-will-be-the-new-normal-of-education-MI2497248
a83aa16b-1f43-4ee5-9712-41761e585d88Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:06:13 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">AS</span></b> we get deeper into the conditional movement control order period, there are questions being raised in dealing with many unknowns. This is a good thing as it drives us towards finding effective and innovative solutions to the issues that rear their head in such situations. Challenges that organisations face are unprecedented and can seem overwhelming.</p><p>It is my belief that every situation can be managed by proper planning and curation. It calls for strong leadership and credible communication, both internal and external. Communication that bonds with different stakeholders and is alert to what is essential to clients is the need of the hour. </p><p>Stakeholders look to leaders to take the right initiatives and bring clarity to a crisis. How leadership handles communications can go a long way in ensuring business effectiveness and cementing relationships with all stakeholders. </p><p>Given the economic decline and social restrictions, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear, which is counter-productive. Hence, it is vital that leaders increase the frequency of communication – nothing calms and motivates people more than to know that there is a plan in place, no matter how tough the situation seems. </p><p>Leaders can look at various forms of internal communications such as blogs, helplines, internal fun social engagement initiatives, virtual communities and town halls. This will not only reduce the distance between the work teams; it will in turn lead to an increased sense of commitment and motivation towards business and work.</p><p>The pandemic has been cataclysmic with its twists and turns and the result is many brands and leaders might feel unprepared to cope with unfolding events. This is why it is important to have a clear strategy backed by an understanding of the pulse of the audience through tools like Online Reputation Management (ORM). </p><p>A well-thought-out communication strategy fuelled by meticulous media monitoring and sentiment analysis might seem a basic necessity but during such a crisis it is significant in getting the narrative right. </p><p>Bringing people together by facilitating community, offering empathy, and providing social support is as important. For instance, SnapChat curated mental health resources into a “Here for You” centre and made it available to users months in advance of its earlier launch date in response to the Covid-19 crisis, demonstrating its caring for its community. </p><p>In time, even as our stark new normal begins to get clearer, to assume anything is folly. Together, we will see these tough times pass. But beyond the fragility of the way life works at the moment, we have a golden opportunity to discover new ideas, rethink old assumptions and create new magic. By doing this we can emerge from this global crisis stronger, wiser and more prepared for future challenges.</p><p></p><p><b>R. Murali Rajaratenam</b></p><p><b>Kuala Lumpur</b></p>In a dilemma over water bills https://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/in-a-dilemma-over-water-bills-XI2497189
e87277d1-33c7-481b-8ea1-ee7bdcb8e7d2Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:01:03 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">FORUM</span></b> Air Malaysia (FAM) has received many complaints of water bill hikes based on approximated calculation by supply operators. Some bills were more than double as the water bill for May 2020 comprised adjustments for March and April. </p><p>Many consumers in Selangor with monthly incomes of RM4,001 and above did not realise that they were not eligible for the 20 cubic metres of free water since March 1. </p><p>The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) explained that generally, domestic consumers used more water than usual during the movement control order (MCO) period. </p><p>FAM would like to stress that this issue increases consumers’ desperation to meet their financial obligations as SPAN in a statement said consumers are requested to pay their bills and if they are overcharged, the correction would be recorded in the following month’s bill.</p><p>Based on the method of bill calculation issued by SPAN to be used by water supply operators during the MCO, FAM hopes that the consumers will pay their bills. </p><p>FAM encourages all water operators to adopt SPAN’s guidelines on calculation. Many consumers are paying the estimated bills fearing water cuts. The operators should allow consumers to pay outstanding bills in instalments to reduce the burden of those who have either lost their jobs or did not receive their salaries.</p><p>Apart from the additional charges, consumers are disputing the minimum charges. Service providers and SPAN should have disseminated the guidelines to consumers to create awareness. </p><p>Consumers are reminded to monitor their water usage. </p><p> </p><p><b>Saral James Maniam</b></p><p><b>President</b></p><p><b>Forum Air Malaysia</b></p>Be cautiously optimistichttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/be-cautiously-optimistic-NI2497168
85a3c4f5-3822-4d58-8a67-5f91d43b37bdWed, 03 Jun 2020 11:54:39 GMTOpinionMaking SensTan Siok ChooOpinion<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/225x225/0c0/0d0/none/11808/XFCY/making-sens_1189763_20200603195440.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">INDIA</span></b> has been the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil for the past five years. This single fact makes New Delhi’s recent decision to resume buying the vegetable oil from this country – after a four-month halt beginning in January this year – a welcome development. </p><p>For several reasons, decision makers involved in overseeing Malaysia’s palm oil industry and this country’s economy shouldn’t view India’s renewed palm oil purchases as a major game changer. </p><p>First, India’s intake of palm oil this year could fall significantly below the 4.4 million tonnes New Delhi imported from this country last year. </p><p>Pradeep Choudhary, managing director of Gemini Edibles &amp; Fats India Pvt Ltd, says households in India account for only 40% of demand for palm oil. Worldwide, the biggest buyer of palm oil is the hotel, restaurant and conference (HoReCa) segment, currently pummelled by the lockdown and the suspension of international travel. </p><p>There has been a 49% destruction in India’s demand for palm oil this year – mainly led by the HoReCa segment, Choudhary says.</p><p>Second, some economists expect India’s economy to shrink by up to 5% during this current fiscal year beginning on April 1, the worst contraction in four decades. </p><p>In the January-March quarter this year, India’s economy grew by 3.1%, the slowest pace in eight years, Manoj Kumar writes in a Reuter’s article.</p><p>For the current April-June quarter, some private economists predict a downturn of more than 20% in India’s economy. During these three months, the lockdown’s full impact on the manufacturing and services sectors will be more apparent. </p><p>Third, 43 analysts surveyed by Reuters suggest Brent oil price could average US$37.58 a barrel this year. Although this is slightly higher than the US$35.84/barrel forecast in the April poll, it is 11.3% lower than the to-date average of US$42.37 a barrel.</p><p>Prices of crude palm oil (CPO) and Brent oil have moved in tandem due to the introduction of palm-based biodiesel and the implementation of the Envo Diesel programme in March 2006, a paper published by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board indicates. </p><p>A synchronic moment between prices of these two commodities occurred on April 20 and 21. On April 20, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery sank to minus US$37.63 per barrel, the first time this happened. </p><p>Negative WTI prices were prompted by buyers forced to either pay a large cancellation fee to settle their May futures contract due to expire at the close of business the next day or take physical delivery of oil at a time when storage tanks in the US were almost full or already contracted for. </p><p>On April 21, CPO’s benchmark July contract fell to RM2,604 by the close, recording its biggest daily loss since mid-January this year, an article in <i>Agricensus </i>says. </p><p>Fourth, the US economy contracted by 4.8% in the first quarter this year, the Bureau of Economic Analysis says – steeper than the 3.5% decline estimated by economists surveyed by Dow Jones and the deepest quarterly plunge since the 8.4% tumble in 4Q 2008 during the worst of the global financial crisis. </p><p>Because the January-March 2020 quarter captured only a few weeks of the lockdown, US-based investment bank Goldman Sachs estimates the revised 1Q figure could be -8.25%. </p><p>Two indicators signal the US is close to a recession. </p><p>The US Labour Department says 40 million Americans have applied for jobless benefits in the past 10 weeks – a level not seen since the 1930s Great Depression, a BBC article says. </p><p>America’s unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April while the US Labour Department is expected to release this week that the unemployment rate in May this year surged to a high of 20%. In contrast, the unemployment rate touched a 50-year low. </p><p>Additionally, consumer spending – accounting for more than two-thirds of US economic activity – plunged for a second successive month in April by 13.6%. The April figure was the biggest drop since the government started tracking the series in 1959 and eclipsed the previous all-time 6.9% tumble in March, a Reuters article said. </p><p>In a CBS interview recently, US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said the US economy could “easily” contract 20%-30% this quarter, although he believed a depression could be avoided.</p><p>Fifth, in its latest report, the European Commission predicts “the European Union (EU) economy will experience a recession of historic proportions – a 7.5% contraction this year it forecasts. The EC also warns the risks surrounding its forecast are “exceptionally large and concentrated on the downside.”</p><p>Sixth, Japan’s economy – the third-largest in the world after the US and China – shrank by -3.4% in the January-March quarter this year, the second successive quarter of negative growth, fulfilling the technical definition of a recession. Against this backdrop, decision makers in Putrajaya and in corporate suites in this country should be cautiously optimistic and formidably fortified to face the worst. </p><p></p><p><i>Opinions</i><i> expressed in this article are the personal views of the writer and should not be attributed to any organisation she is connected with.</i><i> Feedback: siokchoo@thesundaily.com</i> </p>High speed rail will spur regional growthhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/high-speed-rail-will-spur-regional-growth-AI2497147
0672cdfc-f6f5-4b06-a6e4-f9007f2ddf1fWed, 03 Jun 2020 11:42:48 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">THE</span></b> decision over the High Speed Rail (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor to Singapore has been deferred to the end of the year. This will be the last extension to finalise technicalities before the project’s launch.</p><p>HSR system is not only a faster and more convenient mode of medium and long-distance travel but a catalyst for urban development and trade.</p><p>The construction of the South Europe Atlantic HSR that began in 2012 and completed in 2017 has created 14,000 jobs, generated €1.6 billion (RM7.6 billion) in production, with added value of €755 million (RM3.6 billion) in the three regions.</p><p>After the installation of the HSR line that connects Cologne and Frankfurt since 2001, the GDP of the region had increased 8.5% faster than if the infrastructure had not been built. Provinces in China with HSR have observed 25% more revenues than provinces without HSR.</p><p>Due to the immediate and long-term benefits, the United Kingdom has just launched their second HSR project known as HS2, connecting London to West Midlands, the largest infrastructure project in Europe.</p><p>In Southeast Asia, the two countries developing HSR are Thailand and Indonesia.</p><p>Thailand’s HSR will link three of its airports, serves as the core infrastructure development for their Eastern Economic Corridor, and an initiative aims to lift the country out of the middle-income trap.</p><p>Indonesia’s HSR that connects Bandung and Jakarta is estimated to provide 40,000 jobs and anticipated to begin operation in 2021.</p><p>Should we be surprised if Thailand and Indonesia overtake Malaysia in the next one or two decades?</p><p>The HSR not only serves the southern states but is the first phase of a larger pan-Asian HSR network.</p><p>Seeing the HSR as a mere transport mode is underplaying its potential as a catalyst for the country’s and region’s growth.</p><p></p><p><b>Joshua Woo</b></p>Universities respond with agility to disruptionshttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/universities-show-agility-in-era-of-covid-19-YI2497100
82f14fa9-e26c-4843-b1bb-8d0829196df2Thu, 04 Jun 2020 00:26:32 GMTOpinionOpinionAndrew Walker<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/400x252/0c13/400d225/none/11808/JTQM/andrew-walker_1189716_20200604082634.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">UNIVERSITIES</span></b> in Malaysia have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, but they have been remarkably successful in providing educational continuity for their students. </p><p>Since the beginning of the movement control order in mid-March, campuses throughout Malaysia have been empty. Given that universities are crowded environments, this closure was an important public health measure which contributed to the safety of students, staff and the broader community. </p><p>Universities have responded with great agility to this dramatic and sudden change in their circumstances. Teaching staff, and the many professional colleagues who support them, moved to new ways of operating in a matter of days. This agility has provided students with educational continuity in a time of global disruption. The importance of this contribution cannot be understated: despite many sectors of the economy being closed, university students have been able to continue their progress towards graduation and, following graduation, employment. The individual, social and economic benefits of this educational continuity are enormous.</p><p>Many universities have been able to respond to this crisis because they were prepared. This may seem surprising, because the Covid-19 disruption was unexpected and unprecedented. But universities are all too aware that we are living in an era of disruption and we have been steadily changing the way we teach, and the way students learn, to prepare for it.</p><p>In simple terms, the change has been a move from teacher-centred learning (“chalk and talk”) to student-centred learning. University teachers are no longer the all-knowing sage who passes knowledge to students in tiered lecture theatres. Teachers are now guides, facilitators, curators, inspirers and collaborators in the learning process.</p><p>Online tools have played a very important part in this educational transformation. New internet-based technologies enable us to engage with students in new ways; new ways of delivering material; new opportunities for student engagement; new approaches to educational collaboration. New technology empowers students to become much more active partners in education.</p><p>Universities have been working hard for years to provide students with a smart, contemporary and authentic learning environment that will prepare them for the jobs of the future. So, when Covid-19 erupted we had many of the tools and skills that we needed to move to online teaching. It was a rush, and our efforts were far from perfect, but it was an extraordinarily agile response to a public health imperative. </p><p>We understand that some students are unable to fully benefit from online resources and we must work with them flexibly and compassionately to ensure that they are not unfairly disadvantaged. Some students also need additional financial, logistical or emotional support and, again, universities have mobilised their resources to help them (supplementing a number of valuable government initiatives). </p><p>It would be a great shame if the current debate about university fees failed to focus on the central issue of educational continuity. There is a misperception that online operations are providing universities with windfall savings. This is simply not the case. At my university, operational savings from, for example, electricity, are very modest indeed and are far outweighed by the Covid-19 impacts on both our costs and our revenue.</p><p>Our top priority is to provide educational continuity so students can graduate and move into employment. This depends on institutional sustainability. University leaders are working hard to secure these linked objectives of continuity and sustainability. </p><p>If institutional sustainability is undermined, so is educational continuity. That would be a disaster for thousands of students who are working hard, in difficult times, to complete their degrees.</p><p></p><p><i>Professor</i><i> </i><i>Andrew Walker </i><i>is president and pro vice-chancellor of Monash University Malaysia.</i></p>Professor Andrew Walker is president and pro vice-chancellor of Monash University Malaysia.Loan defaults – the next SME crisis? https://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/loan-defaults-the-next-sme-crisis-AM2493417
4e0d63b4-f745-4faa-8b52-16c5296dc1e9Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:24:41 GMTOpinionOpinionJason Loh Seong Wei<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">SINCE</span></b> the main problem for SMEs is cash flow, if it continues to be constricted despite government assistance against the backdrop of a gloomy outlook for the economy, then they will not only have problems retaining workers but also servicing both their current and new debts.</p><p>The government is already trying its best to manage the current SME crisis – which is saving businesses from closure and also thereby saving jobs – either by directly injecting funds or providing them as loans to enable SMEs, especially the small/micro-sized businesses and the mid-tier companies (MTCs), to survive and stay afloat.</p><p> So, the first question is this: Has this been successful in slaying the unemployment devil?</p><p> If not, the second question follows: Are we then not in danger of “sleepwalking” into the deep blue sea – this time perhaps in the form of a “loans crisis” (non-performing loans or NPLs) by SMEs?</p><p>The first implication would logically be, therefore, that SMEs might need more direct fiscal injection to resolve the cash flow problem.</p><p>Calvin Cheng of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies has called for grants, instead of loans, to provide a stronger buffer for vulnerable SMEs to avoid insolvency.</p><p>Piling loans upon loans on SMEs could, paradoxically, exacerbate the cash flow problem for our SMEs!</p><p>With the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research forecasting unemployment levels to still hit 9.2% by year-end, which translates into around 1.5 million workers under the worst-case scenario even with Prihatin and Prihatin Plus, the argument for more direct fiscal injection should gain traction. The Malaysian Employers’ Federation has predicted that unemployment could even reach 13%.</p><p>Normally, unemployment is correlated with consumer spending. However, consumer sentiment was resilient and robust during the peak of Covid-19 season for many Asian countries according to the latest McKinsey survey. This is confirmed by a Boston Consulting Group’s Centre for Consumer Insight report which highlighted that 53% of Malaysians surveyed believe the nation’s economy will improve in the next 12 months.</p><p>But typically, the higher the unemployment, the lower the consumer spending. This is so even if businesses survive by retrenching. Higher unemployment affects aggregate demand in the economy. Shrinking aggregate demand bites back at surviving businesses and so the vicious cycle goes. No demand, no supply.</p><p>So, even with buoyant consumer spending levels, this is simply not sustainable in the medium run due to rising unemployment.</p><p>Under such conditions, the chances of default would certainly increase.</p><p>This means that not only are we in danger of not defusing the unemployment time-bomb, we also are in danger of being confronted with the bad loans time-bomb in the near future.</p><p>For now, many SMEs have applied for the Wage Subsidy Programme and Employment Retention Programme to help them stave off retrenchment. Some have also taken advantage of the credit line facilities to help ease their cash flow.</p><p>As of May, banks have approved about RM3 billion in funds to help support 6,840 SMEs. The bulk of the amount was from the Special Relief Facility (SRF) provided by Bank Negara.</p><p>The SRF allows SMEs to apply for loans up to RM1 million with a 3.5% interest rate. Of the amount, 80% is guaranteed by the government through the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC).</p><p> Of the Micro-Credit Loan Scheme offered at 0% interest rate, RM132 million had been approved by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and Tekun Nasional. BSN approved RM90 million for 2,000 micro SMEs, while Tekun Nasional approved RM42 million for 5,000 micro SMEs.</p><p>Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, in his capacity as honorary adviser for the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies, has calculated that an additional RM15 billion more for six months for the Wage Subsidy Programme is needed – which adds to only a meagre 1% and hence amounting 7.1% of GDP.</p><p>Even then for those who are servicing their current loans, the risk of default or delinquency rate might potentially spike after the end of the six-month moratorium period (for bank loans), according to Dr Yeah Kim Leng, professor of economics at Sunway University Business School.</p><p>He is quoted to have said, “... defaults are likely to escalate after the moratorium period, especially if the over-leveraged companies or individuals are unable to continue servicing their debts due to continuing business losses and layoffs”.</p><p>Nonetheless, Yeah also added, however, that a stress test by Bank Negara has indicated that the banking system can absorb such losses.</p><p>Now, while our banks’ impairment ratio – the level of bad debts on the balance sheet – is at safe and sound levels, this could still potentially change in the medium term.</p><p>The problem is, of course, from the SMEs and not the banks. But the banks will also have to suffer NPLs when the defaults occur.</p><p>Offering credit to SMEs, which are already in debt is, therefore, akin to SMEs taking on new loans to pay off pre-existing ones which in turn is like kicking the can into the long grass, that is delaying the inevitable.</p><p>The final reckoning will be when the impact from the real economy catches up with the financial system – “reverse transmission” – that might even drag the economy as a whole further downwards.</p><p>This doom and gloom scenario of SMEs defaulting on loans which will reverberate throughout the economy might not even materialise. It’s all still “theoretical” – at least at this stage.</p><p>Still, the bottomline is that our SMEs need more help than loans. Nowhere is this clearer than for the government to look into increasing its direct fiscal injection for SMEs.</p><p> </p><p><i>Jason</i><i> </i><i>Loh Seong Wei</i><i> is head of Social, Law and Human Rights at EMIR Research.</i><i> Comments: letters@thesundaily.com</i></p>Include domestic violence in national health surveyhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/include-domestic-violence-in-national-health-survey-JM2493391
cd855582-9fdb-4d37-b919-5714c0f3c131Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:19:00 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">DOMESTIC</span></b> violence is a serious public health concern. It affects hundreds of thousands of Malaysian women, and is associated with other negative health conditions. </p><p>We lack reliable and consistent data on domestic violence in Malaysia. Has domestic violence prevalence increased or decreased? Which groups of women are most susceptible? How has the public understanding of domestic violence changed? </p><p>We don’t really know. And without this information, we cannot formulate and evaluate policies effectively.</p><p>To fill this gap, we must include questions on domestic violence in the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS).</p><p></p><p><b>Survey equips policymakers with reliable and consistent data</b></p><p>Last week, the Ministry of Health published the latest NHMS 2019 results. The NHMS is a series of nationally representative surveys that collects health information from Malaysian communities. The surveys are done periodically, and cover various themes. The results are used to improve healthcare policies and services.</p><p>For example, the NHMS 2019 focused on non-communicable diseases, and involved 33,000 adult and child respondents. The survey found that close to one in five adults in Malaysia have diabetes, and half of these individuals have never been diagnosed or even screened for the disease.</p><p>This information not only alerts policymakers to a critical health issue and allows them to take appropriate action, but also empowers individuals to make better decisions about their own health. And because this data is collected regularly, policymakers can better plan and evaluate policies.</p><p>Including domestic violence in subsequent surveys would similarly help policymakers and individuals make better decisions to respond to domestic violence.</p><p></p><p><b>We do not have consistent data on prevalence and trends</b></p><p>There has only been one comprehensive study on the prevalence of domestic violence in Malaysia – published in 2014 by University Sains Malaysia researchers. This study found that 9% of ever-partnered women in Peninsular Malaysia have been abused by a partner. </p><p>(Ever-partnered is defined as reporting having had sex, been married, or been in a romantic relationship.)</p><p>This study – though instrumental – was one-off, and therefore does not establish wider trends and patterns. The study also did not cover Sabah and Sarawak.</p><p>The police, welfare department, and the Ministry of Health compile data on domestic violence cases that they handle. </p><p>However, this data tells us only the number of reported cases, but not the overall proportion of the population who have experienced it, meaning we can gather little about trends and policy effectiveness. </p><p>For example, if the number of cases reported to the ministry increases, does this reflect an increase in domestic violence, or more awareness to get help?</p><p>If we collect domestic violence prevalence data through the NHMS, we could answer these questions – and design better policies. </p><p>For instance, if we learned that certain groups were more susceptible to domestic violence, or what the age range was during which a majority of women experienced domestic violence, we could design more targeted interventions.</p><p>The National Committee on Domestic Violence – a multi-stakeholder committee chaired by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development – had in 2019 identified the lack of data on domestic violence prevalence as a key barrier to evidence-based policymaking. The committee recommended including domestic violence in the NHMS.</p><p></p><p><b>Domestic violence affects survivors’ mental, physical, sexual health and can be fatal</b></p><p>Domestic violence can result in physical injuries, including fatal ones. Worldwide, 58% of female homicide victims were killed by their intimate partners or family members, according to a 2018 United Nations report. </p><p>Additionally, according to the World Health Organisation, women who are abused have a higher risk of AIDS, STIs, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide attempts, and other health conditions as compared to women who are not abused. Thus, preventing and effectively addressing domestic violence also helps reduce other illnesses – and in turn, alleviates the burden on the healthcare system. </p><p></p><p><b>Collecting data will help fulfil obligations under international law</b></p><p>Among Malaysia’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is to put mechanisms in place to ensure justice and protection for women survivors of violence. In 2018, the CEDAW Committee specifically recommended to Malaysia in its Concluding Observations to establish a system to regularly collect, analyse, and publish data on gender-based violence.</p><p>Similarly, one of the indicators for sustainable development goal (SDG) five on gender equality is the “proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age.” </p><p>The inclusion of domestic violence in the NHMS would therefore also facilitate data gathering and reporting under both CEDAW and the SDGs, and help Malaysia in fulfilling its obligations under international law.</p><p>Various countries and jurisdictions regularly collect domestic violence data through representative national surveys, including Indonesia, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.</p><p>Without an understanding of the full scale of domestic violence in Malaysia, and the trends around its impact on various communities, our response will remain piecemeal.</p><p>Including domestic violence in the current and subsequent cycles of the National Health and Morbidity Survey is a straightforward way of gathering the critical information we need to tackle domestic violence as a public health issue.</p><p></p><p><b>Women’s Aid Organisation</b></p>Ensure fair deal for frontliners with kidshttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/ensure-fair-deal-for-frontliners-with-kids-NM2493294
90ceab68-bbe7-4938-8cba-ee39560f7752Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:10:21 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">THERE</span></b> are several challenges caring for children of frontline workers. Childcare centres may refuse to care for the children due to fear and inconvenience, leading to a potential domino effect. This could lead to parents, who are frontliners, staying at home to care for their children. This then affects staffing and might disrupt the dynamics of frontline operations.</p><p>Two, discrimination against frontliners’ children might also ignite and build stigma against frontliners. We fear inappropriate panic and misconception against these individuals. </p><p>There is an urgent need for our government leaders to address the matter and give sufficient reassurance to frontliners. Childcare centre operators and frontliners should be included at the discussion table. Another important stakeholder is the community, for instance, neighbours or relatives living nearby who are trustworthy and willing to help frontliners.</p><p>Frontliners’ children and families should be treated fairly, without discrimination and stigma. Frontliners are one of the most affected populations during this Covid-19 crisis, being physically and mentally vulnerable. We must care for them.</p><p>We offer several suggestions. </p><p><b>» One</b>, decisions must be inclusive. Frontliners should not be forced to stay at home because childcare centres refuse to take in their children. At any centre, children of frontliners should not be separated from their peers, where possible. We welcome the idea of creating new childcare facilities for government hospitals.</p><p><b>» Two,</b> the execution of standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be done carefully. Childcare centre operators need to understand the importance for them to comply with the SOP and guidelines. Materials should be readily available in a checklist format. All staff at centres should be properly trained. </p><p><b>» Three,</b> we can adopt the “social bubble” concept at childcare centres. The children are allowed to interact only in their specific “bubbles” where they are only exposed to constant peers to limit exposure. This method will not only limit virus transmission, it also can improve the social wellbeing of these children.</p><p></p><p><b>Dr Wee Soo Yen </b></p><p><b>Dr Khor Swee Kheng </b></p>It’s time to stamp out racismhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/its-time-to-stamp-out-racism-ED2489503
adae16d8-2978-4bc8-aec9-2a171c729e3cMon, 01 Jun 2020 10:54:26 GMTOpinionFreespaceMichelle ChunOpinion<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/159x225/0c0/0d0/none/11808/KDAN/michelle_1184306_20200601184612.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">GEORGE</span></b><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln"> Floyd</span></b> has been a name dominating headlines in the past week, with some of his last words, “I can’t breathe,” becoming a war cry for an end to racism throughout the United States and the world. A man lost his life unnecessarily and once again, we sit in a rubble of shame.</p><p>For Malaysians, what happened in Minneapolis, Minnesota may feel too far away for us to feel its sting, but it warrants our reflection and requires our voice. Our world is now borderless; the coronavirus and its effects have all but proven this.</p><p>It’s therefore important for us to be aware of what is happening around the world. It’s no longer enough to stay in our own little cocoons if we want to not only understand where we’re heading, but do our part to change the course if necessary. </p><p>Floyd suffered agonising minutes on the ground with a police officer’s knee on his neck, with his pleading cries ignored. A father of two, he was unresponsive when an ambulance arrived on the scene. </p><p>Less than a week later, demonstrations have risen across the United States in what seems like a tipping point in the ongoing fight against racism. Worldwide, the hashtags #georgefloyd and #blacklivesmatter have picked up momentum.</p><p>George Floyd’s life and death have shone a glaring light on an underlying issue we’ve been trying to get rid of for centuries. </p><p>Racism stems from a fear that being different is threatening, and that in order for us to live peacefully with others, they must be like us. </p><p>The harsh reality is that racism exists everywhere, and Malaysia is no exception. I admit that during my formative years, I was exposed to racism in different shapes and forms. It subtly sneaks up on you, tucking itself into your subconscious and without you realising it, can play a part in shaping how you see the world. </p><p>I was taught that certain ethnic groups in Malaysia had defining characteristics ranging from laziness to dirtiness, and that I shouldn’t marry into their families or even patronise their businesses. </p><p>These attitudes came from those around me, seemingly harmless conversations or offhand comments that found their way into my thought space.</p><p>On the flip side, I also experienced racism in small but significant ways. As a Malaysian Chinese, it was always assumed I was at least middle upper class, had opportunities others didn’t get and was fuelled by an obsession with ambition, money and status. </p><p>It was hard to explain that although there was always food on the table and a roof over our heads, life wasn’t always easy for our family. </p><p>There were challenging seasons we had to work through, and some of the opportunities people assumed I had didn’t even exist in my world. </p><p>Thankfully, I had an upbringing for which I am eternally grateful. My parents, guided by our faith and travels, had developed wider, inclusive worldviews of different cultures and backgrounds. </p><p>They taught my sister and me that differences can be celebrated, not shunned. And that if we looked hard enough, beyond the colour of our skin, cultural practices or religious beliefs, we would find we were more similar than we realised. </p><p>What we were taught at home literally saved us from a life of blindness and crippling beliefs, removing the poisonous stereotypes that could have defined how I saw myself, others and society at large. In retrospect, I had the privilege of being taught a better way to live. </p><p>That, I believe, is the key to ending racism. We have to be brave but kind, challenging harmful comments we come across with grace. </p><p>We need to open up space for difficult conversations, and be willing to unlearn perspectives we may have held onto for years. It won’t be easy, and our hard work may not yield tangible fruit in our lifetimes. Real change takes time, perseverance and an unwavering commitment. </p><p>Malaysia is a country of diversity, and that puts us in a remarkable position to be a beacon of hope in the world today. It’s time to take racism by the horns, and not let it simmer beneath the surface any longer. Then, perhaps, every person on this planet can finally be able to breathe without fear. </p><p></p><p><i>Comments:</i><i> letters@thesundaily.com</i></p>A group of artists painting last Thursday a mural of George Floyd on the wall outside of Cup Foods in Minneapolis. – AFPpixPublic health policies must be inclusive and durablehttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/public-health-policies-must-be-inclusive-YD2489313
37ab57a5-6d24-4d54-afa7-11698a7e6340Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:34:44 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/400x266/0c20/400d225/none/11808/XSYV/09-page-9-su-zahid-izzani-sunpix-ke_1184194_20200601183447.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">THE</span></b> Malaysian Health Coalition, Malaysian Trades Union Congress, Tenaganita and nine other non-governmental organisations urge that all public health policies must be inclusive and not discriminate against any resident in Malaysia.</p><p>The health and wellbeing of all residents in Malaysia, including non-citizens, are vital to everyone’s health. </p><p>We support the government’s decision to provide medical treatment and healthcare to the Covid-19 positive cases which have emerged in immigration detention centres. </p><p>However, this must come together with other measures in parallel. We urge the following:</p><p></p><p><b>Improve living conditions for migrant workers</b></p><p>The government must convene the National Labour Advisory Council and enforce the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (amended 2019) without undue delay. Immediate mitigation measures must be put in place to ensure that the virus does not spread. </p><p>Details of the Act and its implementation guidelines should be disseminated publicly so ordinary citizens can play a role in monitoring its implementation. Companies that repeatedly violate the Act should not be permitted to employ migrant workers.</p><p></p><p><b>Develop a coherent and comprehensive workforce policy</b></p><p>In the long term, the government must develop a coherent and comprehensive workforce policy that accounts for our true needs for migrant workers. This policy must protect the health and safety of all migrant workers, including appropriate and adequate financing for their healthcare. </p><p>A comprehensive long-term policy will also reduce the trust deficit among non-citizen residents who may be hesitant to seek required medical attention or healthcare for fear of deportation. That said, policies against illegal migration must remain in place, and migration must be controlled.</p><p></p><p><b>Improve conditions in detention centres</b></p><p>Immigration detention centres are crowded and confined areas where close conversations are unavoidable, the three Cs which the Ministry of Health has advised against. </p><p>These conditions must be improved to allow for necessary physical distancing measures which will help prevent further Covid-19 outbreaks in detention centres. </p><p>Moreover, the needs of women and child detainees especially must be looked after.</p><p>We need an all-of-society effort to keep the spread of Covid-19 under control. </p><p>This includes cooperation from all citizens and non-citizen residents of Malaysia. </p><p>With more than four months of experience fighting Covid-19 and with an indefinite journey ahead, it is time for inclusive and durable solutions, not reactive and discriminatory ones.</p><p> </p><p><b>Beyond Borders Malaysia</b></p><p><b>CSO-SDG Alliance</b></p><p><b>Foreign Spouses Support Group</b></p><p><b>HungerHurts Malaysia</b></p><p><b>International Domestic Workers Federation</b></p><p><b>Malaysian Health Coalition</b></p><p><b>Malaysian Trades Union Congress</b></p><p><b>North South Initiative</b></p><p><b>Our Journey</b></p><p><b>Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat</b></p><p><b>Suara Rakyat Malaysia</b></p><p><b>Tenaganita</b></p>Improve conditions at Immigration detention centres. – ZAHID IZZANI/THESUNRecovery plan raises hopehttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/recovery-plan-raises-hope-XD2489220
70092c1f-7a69-4e86-8af1-0008c73e5e88Mon, 01 Jun 2020 09:50:39 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">THE</span></b> announcement on Sunday by Minister of Finance Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul of his 6R economic recovery plan is most welcome, especially at this time of concern and anxiety. </p><p>The first 4Rs – covering resolve, resilience, restart and recovery are presently on track and could be achieved with a stronger political will to move faster.</p><p>These aspirations will raise our hopes and expectations for better economic growth, fairer income distribution and higher human welfare for all Malaysians, regardless of race. </p><p>But to fully achieve all these six goals and especially the last 2Rs – revitalise and reform – our present economic model must be transformed significantly.</p><p>We cannot do more of the same. We cannot carry on with business as usual. Some old norms must be radically reformed and new thinking adopted to be more successful.</p><p></p><p><b>Uncertainty </b></p><p>The world economic recession, our own impending recession and the Covid-19 crisis have all caused a great deal of uncertainty regarding our future wellbeing. </p><p>The political turmoil experienced in our country has further eroded our confidence and reduced our hopes for our brighter futures.</p><p>Hence the finance minister’s 6R recovery plan is very welcome as a light in the dark tunnel.</p><p>However the 6R plan together with the 2021 Budget and the now postponed 12th Malaysia Plan cannot and should not be the repeat of old norm policies. </p><p>The world economies, including Malaysia, are facing socio-economic crisis, largely due to some wrong policies in the past and bad implementation. </p><p>Some of these weak policies and mistakes have been as follows:</p><p>1. The wide and worsening unsustainable income gaps between the rich and the poor. </p><p>The new norm economic model should aim to narrow this unfair income and large wealth disparities. This would mean taxing the very rich much more to raise the standards of living of the poor who are struggling to make ends meet.</p><p>2. The basic needs of the rakyat have to be more adequately met in the recovery plan and especially in the new 12th Plan. </p><p>The Covid-19 crisis has revealed more starkly, the large numbers of poor, the hungry and the homeless among us, who are embarrassingly better off. </p><p>In fact, the cramped and dirty housing provided by wealthy contractors has largely caused Covid-19, to spread among us all. </p><p>Surely we could do better to build more low-cost but healthy houses for the poor.</p><p>3. Budgets and five-year plans are not exclusively concerned only about economic growth and raising incomes. More importantly, budgets and five-year plans are meant to improve the quality of life of all Malaysians. </p><p>Hence our human rights, our many unfulfilled social reforms and our environment has to be promoted and protected and enhanced more effectively. </p><p>This can be easily achieved by adopting and seriously implementing the many United Nations proposals that we have been somewhat neglecting in the past. This includes the UN’s 17 sustainable goals that we should implement with a stronger political will.</p><p></p><p><b>Revitalise and reform</b></p><p>The 6Rs are great aspirations, but the question in most of our minds is – will the new government be really able to implement the last two most important two Rs – to revitalise and reform?</p><p>Revitalisation and reforming the economy would or should mean inter alia: </p><p>a) Restructuring our education system to make it more internationally competitive, </p><p>b) Reforming our labour policies especially in regard to employing such large numbers of foreign labour.</p><p>c) Reorganising the public services to make them much more multiracial and multi-religious to better reflect our national population composition </p><p>d) Redefine the role and scope of the private sector. Should we depend so much on government-linked companies that squeeze out the business sector.</p><p>e) Ensure our national institutions are more professional and honest and fair in upholding a more efficient administration that is free from politisation and corruption. </p><p>The government’s 6Rs strategy is encouraging, promising and welcome and needs our full support.</p><p>But unless the government’s new 6R socio-economic strategy fully takes into account the above and many other public policy issues that can be discussed more openly and widely with the NGOs, universities and business and community leaders, we will not progress much.</p><p>Instead, we will stick to the old normal and play the old records and lose our momentum to move to the new normal and the new socio-economic model that we all desperately need to move ahead faster for the benefit of all Malaysians and especially the poor in our society.</p><p></p><p><b>Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam </b></p><p><b>Chairman</b></p><p><b>Asli Centre for Public Policy Studies</b></p>Give priority to children of healthcare staffhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/give-priority-to-children-of-healthcare-staff-BX2473003
1a41258f-574a-4f3c-804a-fbd6a2041edfSun, 31 May 2020 10:41:48 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/359x225/0c0/0d0/none/11808/BVSX/08-page-8-su-ashraf-shamsul-azlan-sunpix_1181876_20200531184151.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">WE</span></b> refer to the statement released by the Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) on May 23. The Academy of Medicine of Malaysia stands with the MPA in urging the government to revise the standard operating procedures (SOP) on childcare centres by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development dated May 22.</p><p>It is deeply regrettable that the children of healthcare workers (HCW) are encouraged to stay home while day care centres and nurseries plan to reopen for other children. Childcare for HCWs should be prioritised, as reflected in the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The CDC states that if childcare centres cannot fulfil necessary physical distancing measures for all children, childcare centres should “consider serving only the children of healthcare workers and first responders”. This is in stark contrast with the SOP which states that the best arrangement for children of HCWs is at-home care.</p><p>The government must fulfil its responsibility to support the frontline HCWs who have served the country during the Covid-19 crisis. This includes providing solutions for childcare. The reopening of childcare centres must prioritise admission for children of HCWs who will continue to work in the frontlines. If the necessary precautionary measures cannot be met and at-home care is the only option, the government must provide additional support as not everyone has a family caregiver at home. Frontline HCWs should be given a childcare allowance as hiring a private caregiver can be costly. Besides financial support, there must also be a resource for HCWs to access qualified caregivers who are available for hire.</p><p>Finally, based on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) last mention of Covid-19 infections among HCWs on April 23, HCWs made up 5.8% of total infections in the country and a vast majority of them (70%) did not get infected at work. Frontline HCWs take great care to fulfil precautionary measures, such as wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE), face shields and maintaining good hygiene, as determined by MOH. So, while it is irrefutable that frontline HCWs work in high-risk conditions, the government must take greater care in addressing the risk-status of HCWs and their families to avoid stigmatisation.</p><p>We therefore reiterate the MPA’s call for the government to revise the SOP on childcare centres. The government must prioritise childcare for HCWs and lead the rakyat in firmly condemning stigmatisation of the frontline HCWs who have helped save lives during this pandemic.</p><p></p><p><b>Academy of Medicine of Malaysia </b></p> Childcare centres must prioritise admission for children of HCWs. – ASHRAF SHAMSUL/THESUNMounting unemployment loomshttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/mounting-unemployment-looms-BY2472939
5c468636-cee3-4e39-a051-ae14e3ce2dc8Sun, 31 May 2020 10:30:50 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">HEALTH</span></b> director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has performed extremely well in leading his team in combating the outbreak of Covid-19 since the first case was detected on Jan 24. </p><p>He has not only successfully flattened the curve but also diligently kept the public informed of the daily happening in a professional manner. Equally important is the impressive recovery rate of 82.1% achieved by his medical team.</p><p>We are on the way to win the battle against Covid-19 but, unfortunately, we are facing a looming war against mounting unemployment and a deteriorating economy. </p><p>Unless a vaccine can be discovered in the next few months, a protracted economic depression will hit our country and the world. Alternatively we are also expecting an effective medicine can be found to treat Covid-19 patients quickly, thus there will be a great hope that the global economy may return to normalcy soon.</p><p>I bumped into a friend recently while waiting for my turn to buy some food at a kopitiam and had a brief conversation with her. She and her other three siblings had lost their jobs for more than two months and they aren’t optimistic about getting employed anytime soon. </p><p>As a low-income earner without much savings, she and her siblings are in despair and feel helpless. She also faces a heavy burden of paying her monthly car loan instalments.</p><p>The younger generation can easily be tempted to pursue a lifestyle that not many of them can afford to maintain. </p><p>Once addicted to this lifestyle, pursuing a frugal lifestyle isn’t important to them. In fact, they are willing to acquire a fancy car which requires them to commit a heavy monthly instalment for an extended duration of nine years. Even without the unexpected Covid-19 outbreak, they shouldn’t assume that they wouldn’t encounter any financial hiccup along the way. It isn’t healthy to live on a tight budget. </p><p>As at June 2019, Malaysia’s household debt to the country’s gross domestic product was 82.2%. </p><p>It is among the highest in Asia and has exceeded high-income nations such as United States (75%) and Japan (58.2%). I urge those who are living on a tight budget to think twice before making a financial commitment even after the pandemic is over. It has proven to me that leading a prudent and simple life is highly rewarding.</p><p>We are still uncertain as to when economic activities can return to normalcy. Perhaps, the government should take this opportunity to reduce the high foreign worker population in our country. It is extremely important that all available job opportunities should be reserved for locals so that they could overcome this difficult time as quickly as possible.</p><p>Rising unemployment is a source of many ills. The rate of crime, suicide and divorce will go up with the worsening situation. The government should take a proactive decision to reduce reliance on foreign labour. </p><p></p><p><b>Patrick Teh</b></p><p><b>Ipoh</b></p>Do we need a Covid-19 Bill?https://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/do-we-need-a-covid-19-bill-XY2472880
c173ad71-274a-4445-89f4-3c0f87814b3dSun, 31 May 2020 10:23:06 GMTOpinionOpinionLeonard YeohNurul Qarirah<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">MALAYSIA</span></b> was among the first countries in Asean to be heavily impacted by the spread of Covid-19, which forced the country into a movement control order (MCO) from March 18. During the MCO, non-essential businesses were generally not allowed to operate from their premises, causing production to drop significantly and revenue to fall considerably. Subsequently, a conditional movement control Order (CMCO) was imposed from May 4 to June 9, where restrictions are significantly relaxed and most businesses are allowed to operate on strict conditions.</p><p>The period of MCO and CMCO (“the period”) had undoubtedly given rise to a large array of legal issues faced by businesses. There have been news of massive pay cuts and lay-offs as companies begin to implement cost-cutting measures. Apart from financial difficulties, the restrictions also meant that companies are forced to delay or unable to fulfil certain contractual obligations. For example, flight operators had to offer refunds for cancellation of flights due to the government’s ban on air travel. A number of major events during the period which may have been fully paid for had to be cancelled. The period had also caused disruptions to supply of goods, especially since Malaysia is one of the key players in the global supply chain. Businesses are inevitably exposed to legal repercussions for breach of contract due to non-performance and/or delay.</p><p> </p><p><b>The existing legal position</b></p><p>Parties may excuse themselves from their obligations by relying on force majeure clauses in their contracts. A force majeure clause commonly covers various situations in which the performance of a contract is delayed, prevented or hindered. If the force majeure clause describes a “disease”, “epidemic” or “pandemic” as a triggering event, the outbreak of Covid-19 will entitle the parties to rely on the clause. If the contract does not contain a force majeure clause, parties may still rely on the statutory right provided by section 57(2) of the Contracts Act 1950, where a contract which later on becomes impossible or unlawful to perform is void. If section 57(2) is successfully invoked, the parties will be permanently relieved of their contractual obligations. However, relying on force majeure clauses or section 57(2) will require parties to refer their disputes to the court. This may then lead to a floodgate of contractual claims since non-performance will become a common issue during the period.</p><p> </p><p><b>Is Covid-19 Bill long overdue?</b></p><p>There have been multiple calls for the government to table a Covid-19 Bill (“the bill”) to address issues arising from Covid-19. Members of Parliament from the opposition bloc had issued a joint statement calling for a full parliamentary sitting in May to, among others, allow for the bill to be debated. However, the government had announced its plans to table the bill only in the next parliamentary sitting, which is expected to be in July. More time may also be needed for implementation and enforcement, which raised concerns that tabling the bill only in July may be a tad too late, especially since Malaysia has been placed under the MCO since March 18.</p><p>Other jurisdictions across the world had long passed similar laws to address issues arising from Covid-19. For example, Canada’s Covid-19 Emergency Response Act has waived the requirement for medical certificates for employees going on a leave of absence. </p><p>Under the Coronavirus Act 2020, the UK had granted powers to the relevant authorities to provide funding of employers’ statutory sick pay liabilities. </p><p>Singapore had passed the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 as early as April 7. Singapore provided for relief against non-performance of certain types of contracts such as events, tourism-related and construction contracts. Parties are barred from bringing legal action for non-performance of contract caused by Covid-19. This would mean that Singaporean courts will not be burdened by a massive spike in contractual claims which would inevitably arise due to Covid-19.</p><p>Various parties including Malaysian business associations and retail organisations had pushed for issues of contractual obligations to be addressed in the bill. </p><p>However, there have been indications that the government does not intend to interfere in matters involving contractual freedom between parties. This essentially means that parties will be forced to bring legal action to determine their contractual rights. Businesses would have to spend a significant amount of time and resources to rectify and/or resolve these issues themselves, which may ultimately hamper the recovery of the economy in the near future.</p><p> </p><p><b>A comprehensive bill</b></p><p>Since the MCO, the government had implemented several measures to combat the impact of Covid-19, albeit on piecemeal basis. For example, the Companies (Exemption) (No. 2) Order 2020 provided protection for companies from being wound-up for a period of six months after receiving a statutory demand, compared to the previous period of 21 days. </p><p>The EPF Act 1991 had been amended to allow withdrawal by members for the purpose of “sustainable living”. Although these measures are welcomed, a comprehensive Covid-19 Bill is very much needed at this juncture if the issues caused by the MCO are to be sufficiently addressed. After almost three months of MCO and CMCO, it is imperative that the bill covers all bases to assist businesses in rebuilding the economy and our nation.</p><p> </p><p><i>Leonard</i><i> </i><i>Yeoh</i><i> is a partner and Nurul Qarirah is a legal associate with the legal firm, Tay &amp; Partners.</i></p>We need to increase our immunityhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/we-need-to-increase-our-immunity-HY2472823
7ded0bcd-cfe5-49e9-9561-506a43e239f1Sun, 31 May 2020 10:17:43 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/337x225/0c0/0d0/none/11808/UCMN/09-page-9-su-adib-rawi-yahya-sunpix_1181778_20200531181745.jpg"><p><b>THE</b> coronavirus pandemic is set to continue until such time when a cure or vaccine is found, which could be at least 18 to 24 months away. In the meantime, we have to protect ourselves by practising social distancing, washing our hands with soap regularly and wearing a mask when we go out.</p><p>I believe that one important aspect that has been missed (or has not been given the emphasis it deserves) is on building up our immune system by leading a healthy lifestyle.</p><p>For now, our immune systems or in layman’s terms our body’s defence system must adjust unassisted to this deadly enemy. So can we not individually focus or give more serious attention to boosting our immune system? </p><p>Under the new normal, our lifestyles will no doubt have to be modified or transformed to be healthier to reduce our risks of contracting Covid-19. </p><p>How do we do so? Besides practising an exercise routine, consuming healthy food containing essential nutrients, reducing our stress level and having a good night’s sleep, we must break away from unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.</p><p>I have no doubt that every single Malaysian adult knows about the above.</p><p>Knowing is one thing but putting it into practice is a daunting challenge that requires loads of discipline, effort and time. </p><p>For instance all of us know the incredible benefits of exercise which can improve nearly every aspect of our health and yet, most of the time, we are unwilling to commit enough time and effort for this much-needed activity. Or we continue to indulge in excessive drinking or eating junk food. </p><p>Good health is not something we can buy but something we have to put an effort to attain – the harder we work, the healthier we become. It’s easy to get sick but harder to remain healthy. </p><p>In addition, regular physical activity can increase the production of hormones that make us feel happier and help us sleep better. </p><p>Able-bodied individuals can keep Covid-19 away if they keep themselves in good shape by staying active and positive. </p><p>Not only do we build up our physical health but also mental faculties. It has been medically proven that the mind and body are intrinsically linked. Seniors for instance can thwart off or postpone the onslaught of dementia if they stay healthy.</p><p>Even after Covid-19 is long gone such as the onslaught of SARS in 2003, the threat of another novel virus looms. So let’s be prepared by staying strong and healthy. </p><p>So let’s do whatever is necessary to ensure that our immune system is in the best shape possible. As the saying goes “God helps those who help themselves”. </p><p>Let our overall health, energy and vitality shine through. We should make “fit and healthy” our fashion statement in the new normal.</p><p></p><p><b>Pola Singh</b></p><p><b>Kuala Lumpur</b></p>Regular exercise keeps you healthy, alert and happy. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUNTeach kids sustainabilityhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/teach-kids-sustainability-JY2472784
2acef09a-0261-4499-a3a5-856e58971e89Sun, 31 May 2020 10:09:26 GMTOpinionLettersOpinion<p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">“MAKE</span></b> every action count” (Just Different, May 28) refers. The writer’s view that “Parents should start educating their children on sustainability and teachers should start right from the time formal education begins” must be top of our social agenda. </p><p>Indeed, “Catch them young” says it is best to start the message of sustainability with our young children. They must understand the long-term negative impact (including air and water pollution) of irresponsible human activities (eg illegal dumping of waste by businesses and individuals) on our environment.</p><p>In simple terms, it is about emphasising, to children, the key message that the country belongs to them. It is about making sure that they inherit a country that allows them to maximise the use and enjoyment of our wonderful natural resources.</p><p>Climate change is one key issue that we, and our children, have to deal with. They must be taught the science of climate change, which says we must adapt and focus on long-term sustainability in our use of natural resources. Rapid or excessive development must be balanced against its negative impact, including air and water pollution. Drastic climate change must be unmade or reduced by remedial actions. Our children must learn to take ownership and understand the impact of human activities on climate change. </p><p> Our government, at all levels, must strive for sound governance that focuses on sustainable measures that help to preserve our natural environment. Which are the necessary foundations to build a brighter Malaysia for our future generations. </p><p>The word “governance” comes from the Latin meaning “to steer”. Hence, good governance is essentially related to our political, business and social leaders to always do things for all our long-term common good. Sound governance enhances the proper and effective use of our human and physical resources. When good governance is in play, it engenders the focus on long-term sustainability of our living environment.</p><p>Interestingly, we can refer to Wales’ Well-being for Future Generations Act (2015). This requires public authorities in Wales to consider the long-term effects of their decisions and make sustainable development a touchstone for policymaking. </p><p>In terms of governance, considering sustainable development has become embedded in their government’s decision-making. This helps to manage competing priorities. Critically, it compels government at all levels to consider and protect the common and long-term good of all citizens and by extension, the interests of future generations.</p><p> </p><p><b>Sze Loong Steve Ngeow</b></p><p><b>Kajang</b></p>Empower farmers to meet demandhttps://www.thesundaily.my/opinion/empower-farmers-to-meet-demand-EY2472666
1ef9503b-e5b8-47b2-a93c-0fb33b05ae34Sun, 31 May 2020 10:07:19 GMTOpinionOpinionLim Teck GheeAnother Take<img src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/206x225/0c0/0d0/none/11808/XGCA/anothertake_1181682_20200531180722.jpg"><p><b><span class="mln_uppercase_mln">A POSITIVE</span></b> aspect of the Covid-19 pandemic is the reflection in some social media circles on the challenges that the nation is facing. Not just confined to issues directly related to the pandemic, the exchange of ideas and information covers a spectrum of socio-economic and political issues, many of them less explored or regarded as “untouchable” by the English and Malay mainstream media. </p><p>One of the nation’s most prolific and thoughtful bloggers, Syed Akhbar Ali recently responded to a reader’s concern on the subject of local food production and how it has been neglected to the detriment of the national economy and society.</p><p>Taking the cue from the reader’s appeal to the government and policymakers to focus on food production and to avoid deviations, <i>“Tamatkan penyelewengan”</i>, Outsyed the Box’s (OTB) article provides some background on how and why our local food (padi, fruits, vegetables) producers and their associated industries have been left behind. </p><p>The underdevelopment of our local food industry has been attributed by Syed Akhbar to the nation’s earlier political leadership under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the New Economic Policy. </p><p>However he has omitted to mention that this underdevelopment was not due to lack of government funding. In the 10 five-year Malaysia Plans since 1970, agriculture has been allocated a very generous share of the country’s budget. During each five-year plan about RM7 billion to RM11 billion was allocated to agriculture bringing the total allocation for agriculture since 1970 to at least RM70 billion.</p><p>How much of this has gone to well-documented and longstanding leakages, malpractices and corruption needs to be asked. </p><p>Even a modest 10% of this total means that RM7 billion has disappeared into the pockets of non-farmers. For today, Syed Akhbar has asked why it is necessary to allocate RM800 million of scarce public funds in the current stimulus programme for the growing of short-term cash crops aimed at ensuring food security during this crisis period. The answer to his question is unlikely ever to see the light of day. </p><p></p><p><b>Racial factor in local food production</b></p><p>Syed Akhbar’s commentary also touches on a myriad of other issues. They include some which lie at the heart of the racial political system which has become the dominant driver of the economy. </p><p>To be sure there are issues in agricultural and food production that are not racially skewed or do not have a race-based explanation. </p><p>These relate to the technical aspects of production and productivity; the need to invest in infrastructure and R&amp;D: the lower level skills and knowledge of many local producers; an aging farming population; the competition stemming from imported food products and higher paying employment in the non-agricultural sector; and so on. </p><p>But does the racial equation and dynamics found in other aspects of life and society also enter into the issue of self-sufficiency and food production? </p><p>And if it does, in what way? </p><p>This topic is important not simply because it is 50 years now since the New Economic Policy with its Malay dominance emphasis was first introduced. </p><p>It is also important because at this time of acute economic crisis when global supply chains have been disrupted, national and local self-sufficiency concerns have assumed greater importance. </p><p>In a recent webinar organised by the Science Media Centre of Malaysia, panellist Dr Paul Teng of the Institute of Agricultural and Food Security Studies called on Asean countries to rethink their food systems in view of border closures and export bans by some countries on food supplies. </p><p>An important point he made was the observation that empowering farmers to produce more also meant empowering the consumer as well as other intermediaries all the way down the supply chain. </p><p>Syed Akhbar has made a similar observation. According to him: <i>Jika kita menambahkan sedikit pelaburan di Cameron Highlands bayangkan peluang pekerjaan baru yang akan seterusnya wujud bagi semua penduduk negara - bukan saja penanam sayur Cina dan India. Kerja lojistik, perbankan membiayai ekspot impot, perkapalan, penerbangan, packaging dan banyak lagi. Trickle down effect dan spillover effect akan menguntungkan keseluruhan ekonomi negara kita. </i></p><p>(If we increase investment in Cameron Highlands [food production] this will generate new employment which will benefit all – not only Chinese and Indian vegetable growers. Logistics activity, export and import taxes, shipping, air freight, packaging and much more. The trickle down and spillover effect will benefit our entire national economy.)</p><p></p><p><b>Food self-sufficiency: How not to bay at the moon</b> </p><p>So what’s standing in the way of enhanced food production? First, it is important not to establish self-sufficiency as a hard target. Encourage local production as much as possible through proven market and technology-driven incentives and remove barriers. But recognise that self-sufficiency given the structure of our economy and comparative advantage in other sectors is not a rational or feasible economic goal. </p><p>Let the local producers determine whether it is better to put their money on planting Musang King or some other crop and let the market find the balance between local production and imports without the heavy hand of the government intervening to impose controls which will mainly result in higher costs to consumers. </p><p>Second, the solution in enhancing production is not to be found by throwing in more money such as the RM800 million extra. </p><p>The key constraint that has cropped up repeatedly since the colonial period is the lack of access to land for the Chinese and Indian agricultural community. And when land is available, many farmers are tied to very short leaseholds or temporary occupation licences that provide little security of tenure and deter them from investing in higher level technology and infrastructure. </p><p>And this continues for many non-Malay farmers who despite working the land under TOL for several generations still cannot get the change in status of the land despite the change in state government from Barisan Nasional into Pakatan Harapan hands. </p><p>Until this land constraint is addressed we will forever be chasing an impossible dream in the quest for enhanced food production. </p><p><b></b></p><p><i><b> </b></i><i>Lim</i><i> </i><i>Teck Ghee’</i><i>s</i><i> Another Take is aimed at demystifying social orthodoxy.</i><i> Comments: letters@thesundaily.com</i></p>